Aperture comparison of micro-four thirds vs DSLR

Hi,

recently I got my new Olympus OM –D with the 12-50 mm lens kit and a Nauticam Housing, it is my first time with a mirrorless micro 4/3 system.

I would like to know if the depth of field and the f stops are similar to the DSLR cameras?

Thanks.

Depth of field is also affected by the focal length and sensor format.

My question originates when I was reading Martin Edge, The Underwater Photographer, Fourth edition 2010. . Page 152 , and he makes the following postulate:

“Being much smaller than SLRs in terms of lens and sensor size, etc., apertures have different values. For readers using digital compacts underwater, I would like you to relate a compact aperture of f4 as being comparable with f8 on an SLR ”

Since 4/3 is an intermediate format between compact and DSLR, could I assume then that f 4 in Compacts is similar to f 5.6 in 4/3 and f8 in DSLR?

thanks again

As an approximation you are correct.

This shot with a fisheye on M43 at f/5.6. To achieve similar depth of field and corner sharpness I would have used f/8-9 on DX (APS-C) and f/11-13 on FX (full frame).

Alex

Thank you Dr. Alex, you are the Boss !!!